Register soon for Dads and Duracells

The hugely popular urban campout, Fathers and Flashlights, will be held September 27 and 28 on the fields of West University Elementary School.

The campout benefits the Friends of West University Place Parks Fund.

Priority registration will begin August 19, and open registration will begin August 21. Registration is online only, at www.westuparks.org.

Priority registration is open to 2013 returning campers, and 2014 underwriters and sponsors who have donated $1,000 or more.

The price for each camper has increased slightly this year, to $70 per camper. Campers also join the Century Club, for $100 per family, to have the chance to check in an hour early. Century Club check-in will be from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. September 27. Check in for all other campers will be from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. September 27.

Fathers and Flashlights is one of the most popular events in West U every year. Last year, 257 dads camped with 498 children. Last year’s event raised more than $86,000 for the Friends.

Moms also are a big part of the urban campout, and are required to sign up to volunteer before the event, during the campout, or after the event. Moms can pick their volunteer time during registration.

Co-chairs Judy and Comfort Cheng and Dee Dee and Jamie Gilder are planning this year’s campout. It will include catch and release fishing, pony rides, a new and improved rock wall, a giant slide, and stargazing by the Houston Astronomical Society. This year’s event also will feature pony races, four inflatable ponies that campers will use to bounce up and down the field.

Also, there will be a giant obstacle course for older kids, and a smaller course for young kids.

There will be snow cones from Kona Ice, and Harper Street Treats will provide s’mores.

Dinner, breakfast and drinks will be served to dads and their campers.